On Maternity Dressing.

And the surprising liberation that I found.

Pregnancy gave me a sudden and previously unknown sense of liberation and confidence in my body that dramatically changed how I approached dressing. It annihilated long-held boundaries and broke nearly every one of my “rules” about what I should and shouldn’t wear. I have always dressed to obscure my midsection and upper arms, if I can help it. I have always hated the way that I look in any kind of jersey knit or bias cut. I didn’t dare wear most coordinated sets because they often highlighted everything that I hated about my body.

I remember all of the middle-aged women that I used to dress in my many, many boutique jobs of the past; women who, with great vulnerability, would share their dogmatically held laundry lists of restrictions built around their “problem zones.” All or any combination of baring their midsection, knees, ankles, elbows, arms, neck, cleavage, etc., were off-limits. It never mattered what you said, or what reassurance you offered. It was fact. Now I am the one mentally scanning the racks for approved items that will meet my own requirements, flustered by offers of help because where do I begin?

But with the new paradigm of pregnancy, suddenly it was opposite day: the more body-con, the more belly, the better. I joked with a close friend that I had never dressed sluttier in my life. I could buy things without trying them on, and with total confidence. I gave myself no restrictions on where I was allowed to shop—from fast fashion to cult brands to thrift stores. Within the confines of pregnancy’s finite duration, I finally became the capsule wardrobe person I’d always aspired to be.

Something else kind of interesting happened: while I carried that precious cargo inside, I went from a place of self-loathing to self-love. On the other side, I would say I am now in a place that I will call self-neutrality—because between postpartum and perimenopause, I often feel like I am just a passenger in my body, noticing more than dictating.

During this absolutely miraculous and yet entirely commonplace moment of being with child, you also get a rare opportunity to occupy a wildly different version of yourself. It’s a chimera and a catalyst. As I have always done in every strange and wonderful pocket of my life, I sought refuge in (1) non-fiction literature and (2) my clothing. Reading and shopping are my favorite ways to prepare for almost anything.

A few questions that I asked myself when I approached dressing while pregnant were:

1. Would I be willing to wear this thing over and over for the next several months (and through the seasons)?

2. Can it be adapted or grow with me as my baby and my body do?

3. Will it play nice with the rest of my available wardrobe?

There is a bit of a sea change happening in maternity dressing right now—it is no longer about discretion and just blending in. Pregnant people are no longer allowing themselves to be relegated to maternity brands or the anemic racks of maternity departments that give no credence to personal style. The antiquated roots of an America that thought to censor the word “pregnant” from television because it was considered obscene are finally loosening their grip on the collective subconscious.

Because when it comes to dressing whilst knocked up, there is not only nothing to hide, there is no reason to. We have entered a pro-tummy-in-the-sun moment, and from this place, as a pregnant person, the world really can become your oyster. You can wear standard waistbands at the base of your tum, or crop tops just above it. Straight-sized shirts, blazers, and cardigans can simply be unbuttoned as your growth requires. And you certainly do not have to bare your belly—there are also plenty of more modest options available that embody style in a way that feels fresh and relevant. So perhaps we can finally let ourselves have a little more fun with this entirely wild season of life.

My tips for building your maternity capsule wardrobe:

• Think of it like packing a bag for a two week trip—one where you will still do all of the things you do in your normal life. You will need things to work in, play in, and lounge in that play nice with each other and can easily multitask.

• Bonus round: find items that will also work in the postpartum period when your body still feels like an absolute stranger.

• Dare to dream: items that can work for nursing too.

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Occasions (including baby blessings and showers):

Natalie Martin Claudia Tunic with Sash & Sarah Dress with Fringe both 100% Silk*, the fringe, the ease—depending on the vibe, I would love the Claudia Tunic for a shower and the Sarah Dress for a baby blessing. The Sarah Dress is also available in multiple colorways and fabrication.

the Bumpsuit Shirred Midi Poplin Dress and the Bianca maternity dress are two completely opposite ends of the style spectrum, but both are equally chic & easy. The poplin dress could definitely do double duty for daywear, a babymoon, or a date.

Mara Hoffman may no longer be in business, but pieces from her maternity friendly popcorn dress collection are still available in the wilds of Poshmark. In a style like this, I would recommend sizing up 1-2 sizes from your pregnancy size. Some ideas currently available here, here, here, here, & here.

Merlette’s Valeria dress is a cotton voile maxi with an asymmetrical detail that is compelling and easy breezy, especially for anyone navigating formal dressing while pregnant in the heat of Summer.

*un petite rant: I really appreciate that these dresses are genuine silk/not even a blend. The volume of polyester/nylon/acrylic/viscose dresses on the market right now at this price point makes my head spin. I know that silk is not vegan and may not be for everyone because it requires more care, my issue is that petroleum based alternatives should not cost the same as the real thing. A gentle reminder to check the fiber content before you purchase anything.

Daywear:

Jungmaven Sydney dress in hemp & organic cotton—a straight forward tee shirt dress made with quality fabric (also available in a million colors)

Natalie Martin’s Juliette Dress in cotton—a smocked cotton torso with a gathered skirt and adjustable straps, this would be soooo cute for showing a growing bump with no ambiguity about “your condition”

the Hatch Solene dress is giving Margot in the Royal Tenenbaums and also happens to be on super sale atm, and the Hatch Ciao Lucia x HATCH The Elide Mini Dress is properly charming and an easy wear

Nikki Chasin Twirling dress in zig zag & Ballad dress in navy fan patch seasonless and just as desirable on the other side of pregnancy (though not the best for nursing/pumping)

Dôen’s Ischia dress has become my personal uniform, and would work beautifully for maternity as well. A similar style, the Emarretta dress is a sleeveless option with a wider strap that is ideal for covering maternity or nursing bras. And the Quilla dress, a bit interchangeable with the Bumpsuit option listed above, is also appealing. The Meadowlark dress is a great open bodied option.

Loungewear & Separates:

Maternity Bike shorts, like these from Kindred Bravely (currently on sale) or this deep compression option from Beyond Yoga are the real MVP of any maternity wardrobe. I love to pair them with a cute cropped tee and an oversized blazer (I own this particular one from Sézane in 3 diferent colors) for an easy daywear look.

Mentioned above, I love the cropped and regular tees from Industry of Nations. An incredible brand featuring organic materials and natural dyes—there is no better time than pregnancy to invest in a clean wardrobe.

This maternity romper from Bumpsuit is also a favorite of many, though for me, a romper coupled with the constant need to pee is not my idea of a good time. I do adore its dress counterpart though.

This Alex Mill Coco sport cardigan (with a partial unbutton) & Coco sport pant set would be perfect likely through the latter second trimester, then would pop right back up in as a steady betty during postpartum and breastfeeding. Ditto for their Taylor striped cardigan & Taylor vest.

Haven Well Within organic cotton ribbed short sleeve sweater & ribbed pant are another solid set option that can be worn together or separately for every rotation of matrescence. I am also verrrrry into their cashmere straight leg pants for all of the same reasons (plus…cashmere)

Nikki Chasin Florida Woman appliqué tee shirt & tee shirt dress is just the right amount of camp while your belly is being endlessly oggled.

Organic Basics foldover mini & foldover pants—pair with a sporty look or a billowy top (like these linen guys or these cotton ones) alike. These would be also perfect for an ultrasound visit since you can easily roll the waist down

Hatch Elodie crochet cardigan & Elodie crochet short mix and matchable and also on super sale right now

Support

Low mobility sneakers were heaven sent, they require no bending over, lacing, or squatting down to put on.

A belly/hip brace is also something to consider for any hip or back discomfort, especially as you round your third trimester.

I would also recommend acupuncture, prenatal yoga, and pelvic floor therapy (Origin is available in a few states and accepts insurance).

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This is a rich topic that I expect to revisit in the future, so consider this round up the first of many installments :)

Until soon my milky friends, xoMiranda